Pray for the Mighty ...

Friday, Feb 24, 2017. We need to pray for those people who are in power. For all who have responsibility. It is important - says the apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy, his companion. Let us stay with this command for a moment!

Prayer is Needed …

Prayer is needed, and prayer does change things. That is a very basic, yet deep and difficult truth at the same time. Why is it that way? Why is prayer needed? What is it about, why is it like that? Let us first read the original passage from 1 Timothy 2:

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man1 Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (from 1 Tim 2)

We have chosen a slightly larger part here, not just the first line which is calling us into prayer for those who are mighty or have something like a “high” position. It is to remind us of the foundation and the goal of our prayer, which is what God has done in Christ Jesus, and the love and truth which God is in himself. The goal is to find peace, godliness and dignity in every way. The goal is that all people are saved - in and through Christ.

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Why prayer …

The Old Testament tells us many stories about prayer. It shows that prayer changes the world. We find stories of deep wonder. And we learn about the spiritual world, about the angels and how God sends them as a reaction on prayer. Today, many people consider the spiritual layers of the bible as part of a world view which is long gone. At the same time we see a new type of spirituality, mostly in non-christian circles, new age philosophy and various groups and movements.

But in any case, God wants to be asked. He wants us to talk to him. He is and wants communication and community. Prayer is a part of this - it is talking and listening. It is askiing and getting answers. Prayer is at the heart of faith, since faith is the community of Christ and community with Christ Jesus.

Prayer makes a real difference. Prayer for others, for friends, for colleagues, for the line managers and leaders, and for those working in your group and environment. It changes the spiritual atmosphere, it changes their experiences and their life. It also changes you, but it is much more - it is a direct link to the Lord, to his spirit and power. Ask, and it will be given, says Jesus to us according the gospels. He does know! (Roland Potthast) ... more texts